The Watch
.
W.W.W referred to as Wrist Watch Waterproof.
.
In WW2, under increasing pressure from the Germans, the MoD needed to kit out their Troops with a Wristwatch that would stand the harsh realities of War.
.
In WW2, under increasing pressure from the Germans, the MoD needed to kit out their Troops with a Wristwatch that would stand the harsh realities of War.
.
The MoD put out specifications for this Wristwatch, that many Swiss Companies answered, the MoD whittled this down to 12 Companies hence the term "Dirty Dozen". These needed to be accurate, reliable and durable, which in watchmaking terms meant they had to be regulated to chronometer standards, and also be waterproof and shockproof.
.
The watches also had to have a black dial, Arabic numerals, luminous hour and minute hands, luminous hour markers, a railroad minute track, a shatterproof crystal, and a stainless-steel case. Powering them would be 15-jewel movements, measuring between 11.75 and 13 lignes.
.
The 12 companies chosen were: Buren, Cyma, Eterna, Grana, Jaeger-LeCoultre, Lemania, Longines, IWC, Omega, Record, Timor, and Vertex.
.
There were only 25,000 Omega Watches issued to troops during the Second World War, who knows how many survive.
.
Age: c.1945.
Reference: W.W.W
Movement: Manual wind with Sub Seconds.
Calibre: 30t2
Timekeeping: Very good.
Service History: Full Service, July 2022.
Dial: Original MoD Spec Omega Dial.
Dial: Original MoD Spec Omega Dial.
Case: All Stainless Steel.
Measurements: without/with Crown: 35mm/38mm End to End: 45mm
Bezel: Solid.
Water Resistant?: No.
Hands: Original.
Crystal: Correct Acrylic crystal.
Crystal: Correct Acrylic crystal.
Crown: Correct Original unsigned Crown.
Strap/Bracelet: Worn MoD Issue Phoenix NATO Strap.
Lug Width: 18mm
Getting Acquainted
.
Bits that stand out:
-One of only 25,000 issued.
- Hard to find in good order.
- Fully serviced Movement.
- Hard to find in good order.
- Fully serviced Movement.
-Crisp Military markings to the back.
.
Nitty Gritty:
-Some age related discolouration to the Original Lume in Hands.
-Some Minor Scratches to Dial.
-Missing Lume spots to 10 and 4.
.
Overall the Omega is in very nice Vintage condition.
The Dial is in nice condition with some age related light scratching to the Dial.
The Case is in very good nick, it had a light clean and buff during the Service.
Caseback markings are very nice.
Original Crown.
Crystal in good shape.
Hands are in lovely shape, with some age related discolouration.